Meet the Newest Member of the Takoma Park Recreation Department Team

By Lew McAllister

Austin Hartsook joined the Takoma Park Recreation Department team on Monday, June 13. He will be taking over the tall task of coordinating the department’s sports offerings, which include youth/adult leagues, classes and clinics. Prior to his arrival in Takoma Park, Austin spent the last three years as the director of baseball operations for Virginia Tech University. He has a strong sports background and will bring a wealth of knowledge to recreation programming.

Austin attended the University of Oregon where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Outside of sports, Austin enjoys spending time with friends, traveling and exploring the best “BBQ Joints” the area has to offer. When asked about his new role with the department, Austin said, “I’m excited and ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I can’t wait to meet all of the wonderful people in the Takoma Park community.”

One of Austin’s major sports programs will be the Winter Basketball League, which is set to serve more than 800 girls and boys from in and around the Takoma Park area this coming January. The league is open to all participants in grades K–8 and will focus on teaching the game of basketball, personal improvement, sportsmanship and fun. Also, this year the recreation department will be expanding the league to include a brand new 7th and 8th grade girls’ division. Registration will begin on Saturday, Sept. 10. The league fills fast, so don’t miss out on the fun.

If you are interested in volunteering as a coach, contact Austin Hartsook at austinh@takomaparkmd.gov or 301- 891-7282. For more information about the 2017 Winter Basketball League or any other sports offerings, visit www. takomaparkmd.gov/government/recreation/sports.

This article appeared in the September 2016 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.